Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Specialist Clinician to join our Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic and Support Team in Bedfordshire.



Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team including Community Paediatricians, Specialist Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists, and other professionals, you will lead on high-quality autism and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people, and deliver feedback to families.



You will provide specialist input into ADOS-2 and developmental assessments , support differential diagnosis across neurodevelopmental conditions (including DLD and autism), and contribute to the ongoing development of local ND pathways .



We welcome applicants from a range of professional backgrounds, including Speech and Language Therapy, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology . Experience working with children and young people with neurodevelopmental differences is essential.



In return, you will join a supportive MDT with access to regular supervision, opportunities for specialist training (e.g. ADOS-2) , and involvement in service development and innovation .



If you are passionate about supporting neurodivergent children and families, and want to be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive diagnostic service, we'd love to hear from you.



'If we receive a high number of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 07-11-2025'.



Discuss and agree assessment outcomes with patients, carers and other health care professionals, promoting health education and self-management.



Deliver feedback to families regarding the outcome of the MDT assessment.



Provide clinical opinion in relation to the differential diagnosis of Neurodiversity in pre school and school age children.



Work with the ND pathway lead to support implementation of the wider ND pathway across the county.



Use highly specialist clinical skills to manage a specialist caseload of children with ASD and other special needs.



To use clinical skills to generate written reports and care plans, reflecting specialist Knowledge



Collaborate with the wider team and community Paediatric service in developing pathways and intervention development in the area of Autism and neurodevelopmental difficulties.



Be able to demonstrate a high level of clinical judgement & autonomous practice



To present and communicate complex condition related information in such a manner as to motivate and inform patients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, agreeing decision -making relevant to patient management.



Assessments to include ADOS, joint assessments, report writing and contribution to care plans.



Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.



There's one reason why our services are outstanding - and that's our amazing staff who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey.



If you share our passion for innovative and high-quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading-edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.

Job Purpose:

The post holder will work as part of an established Multi-disciplinary team of Community Paediatricians, Specialist nurses, Speech and Language Therapists and other professionals working as part of the Neurodevelopmental (ND) diagnostic and support team in Bedfordshire.



The post holder will participate in the assessment and review of children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Working in partnership with Community Paediatricians and other professionals within MDT to ensure an effective pathway, inclusive of wider community support. In addition, the post holder will contribute to the development and ongoing review of care pathways, policies, audits of service outcomes and develop waiting list initiatives to achieve agreed targets



The role will involve leading on diagnostic ND assessments/observations and delivering feedback to families on the outcome of the assessment. They will support the ND pathways across Luton and Bedfordshire and deliver as part of the ND support offer.

Main Duties and Responsibilities



Work as part of the Multidisciplinary Team at the Child Development Centre to identify and address the needs of children being assessed as part of the Team's ASD Pathway.



Utilise up to date and evidence-based assessment techniques and tools, assessing information from education providers and parents/carers alongside observation of the young person. This may include specialist assessments in clinic, and observations in educational settings.



Discuss and agree assessment outcomes with patients, carers and other health care professionals, promoting health education and self-management.



To use good interpersonal skills to listen well and counsel patients and carers, so providing support and empathy without prejudice.



Take students on placement for clinical teaching and supervision, including exam placement.



Communication

Internal:

o Speech & Language therapy colleagues

o Community paediatric team

o Health Visiting Teams

o School Nurses

o Paediatric medical staff

o Administrative staff.

External:

o Education staff, including special educational needs

o co-ordinator and educational psychologist

o Staff at children's assessment centre.

o Social care

o Parents / Carers

Budgetary Responsibility



Does not hold budgetary responsibility but is aware of the need to plan non-pay expenditure.

People Management



To offer clinical supervision to colleagues within the community paediatric team.



To provide student placements, including assessment of the placements as appropriate



To provide second opinions to less experienced colleagues, and expert opinions to others, especially in relation to differential diagnosis of DLD.



To facilitate the development of others' problem solving/negotiation skills within peer review/support.



Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and clinical and management supervision.



To work independently accessing appraisal within an Individual Performance Framework pre-determined intervals ensuring that the objectives set reflect the Service and Trust. Plans, including specific objectives relating to the clinical specialism.



Research & Development Activity



To identify personal/professional development evidenced by Personal Development Plan



To attend relevant training (courses, meetings, special interest groups) and development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge required for the role.



Maintain up to date professional registration HCPC and RCSLT



To actively participate in reflective clinical supervision with peers/clinical supervisor to develop and enhance practice.



To develop and deliver regular specialist training (formal and informal) to the ND team and related professional groups in area of clinical expertise, reflecting on and evaluating the training provided.



To participate in and provide joint training with members of the Education Services and of the MDT Team in the field of ASD and other communication difficulties as required.



To identify the training needs linked to specialty for wider service.



To provide advice to non-specialists and other specialists/ professionals within clinical field.



To participate in and develop innovations in areas of risk management, quality standard setting and clinical effectiveness.



To initiate and undertake Research/Clinical Governance/audit projects within area of expertise.



Clinical and Practice Governance



Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act



Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies.



The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes.



The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures.



It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration.



Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required by Cambridgeshire Community Services, NHS Trust.



The post holder must participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required.



Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect from the team.



The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.



To provide leadership within appropriate specialist area



To employ counselling skills with patients, carers with highly complex needs.



To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures



To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate.



To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff, which are characterised by open communication, trust and respect.



To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible.



To use negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations



To attend and participate in professional meetings and other relevant meetings.



To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate.